In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, Manchester City is reportedly preparing a massive £180 million raid on Newcastle United. This sensational double swoop aims to secure both midfield maestro Sandro Tonali and versatile defender Tino Livramento, a plan that would effectively derail Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Italian international.
While the Gunners have been quietly laying the groundwork for a move, the entry of the reigning champions into the fray has completely transformed the transfer landscape as we head toward the summer of 2026.
The saga surrounding Sandro Tonali has been one of the most intriguing storylines of the recent winter window. Rumors of a blockbuster move to Arsenal reached a fever pitch on deadline day, with reports suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s side had opened formal dialogue with Newcastle.
Although these claims were initially dismissed as “rubbish” by those close to St. James’ Park, insiders have since confirmed that brief, informal contact did indeed take place between the two clubs. It appears that while a January exit was never on the cards, the seeds were firmly planted for a summer showdown.
Arteta is known to be a “huge admirer” of the 25-year-old Italian, reportedly viewing him as the perfect partner for Declan Rice in the heart of the Arsenal midfield. The vision of pairing Tonali’s technical elegance and positional intelligence with Rice’s physical dominance is a tantalizing prospect for the North London faithful.
However, Pep Guardiola is equally enamored with Tonali’s profile. The Manchester City manager reportedly sees the midfielder as a vital component for the next phase of his squad’s evolution, particularly as he looks to add more tactical flexibility to his central options.
But the interest doesn’t stop at Tonali. Manchester City’s ambitious plan involves a “double raid” that also targets Tino Livramento. The 23-year-old defender has been a revelation for Newcastle since his arrival from Southampton, proving his worth on both the right and left flanks.
City’s scouting department has been tracking Livramento for months, valuing the England international at upwards of £80 million. With City’s current defensive line facing a series of long-term injuries and tactical shifts, Livramento’s ability to operate in multiple roles makes him a priority target for Guardiola.
| Potential Double Swoop | Estimated Value |
| Sandro Tonali | £100 Million |
| Tino Livramento | £80 Million |
| Total Package | £180 Million |
For Newcastle, the prospect of losing two foundational players in a single window is a daunting thought. The club has already faced the heartbreak of seeing Alexander Isak depart for Liverpool in a previous window, and they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of that scenario.
However, the reality of financial sustainability and the lure of Champions League football for the players involved may force their hand. While Tonali is reportedly happy on Tyneside and maintains a strong relationship with Eddie Howe, his desire to compete for the game’s biggest trophies remains a significant factor in his decision-making process.
The competition for Tonali is not just a two-horse race between the Manchester and London giants. Chelsea remains in the mix, monitoring the situation as part of their ongoing midfield restructuring. Furthermore, the dark horses in this race reside in Italy.
Juventus is reportedly keen on bringing the former AC Milan star back to Serie A, and Tonali’s family is known to be open to a return to their homeland. Despite these various interests, Tonali has signaled that he will act with the utmost respect toward Newcastle, choosing to focus on the current campaign rather than engaging in any public disputes to force a move.
While the midfield battle rages on, Arsenal is also reportedly looking at ways to bolster their front line. The club has been linked with a world-class striker valued at roughly €100 million, with names like Julian Alvarez frequently mentioned in connection with a move to the Emirates.
To facilitate such a massive investment, the Gunners may look to get creative, potentially offering players like Gabriel Martinelli or Gabriel Jesus as part of a swap deal to reduce the final price tag.
As the summer of 2026 approaches, the corridors of power at Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle will be hives of activity. If City can successfully pull off this £180 million double swoop, it would not only strengthen their grip on English football but also leave their rivals scrambling for alternatives.
For Newcastle, it would represent a massive financial windfall, but also a significant test of their ability to replace world-class talent and maintain their upward trajectory in the Premier League.
